Inhabit inshore on coastal muddy or sandy habitats in still bays, and commonly found in harbours and estuaries. Small juveniles on protected shallow mudflats . Found in weedy areas near rocks or reefs. Juveniles often near river mouths and in brackish water. Adults are solitary, juveniles often form small groups . Large adults are shy . Feed on benthic invertebrates by blowing away the sand . Readily dried and used to make ornaments .
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Cryptic coloring ranges from green and olive to orange with blue spots . Caudal fin rays 9-10 . : short and / or deep.
Behavioural data for Longhorn cowfish is currently being reviewed.
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 100 m , usually 1 - 50 m . Tropical; 42°N - 35°S, 18°E - 123°W East Africa (Ref.
benthic invertebrates by blowing away the sand (Ref
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ostracion cornutus | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Ostracion horridus | Desjardins | 1836 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 43 records indexed .
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